Stretched or worn timing chain (both sources). Timing chain tensioner problem (OBD-Codes.com). Crankshaft reluctor wheel has moved and no longer lines up with top dead center (OBD-Codes.com). Engine timing not correct (RepairPal). Failed camshaft variable timing solenoid or variable valve timing actuator (RepairPal). Engine oil level too low, or oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's spec (RepairPal).

Replace stretched timing chains, plus tensioners and guides as needed (OBD-Codes.com; GM bulletins for some engines). Correct a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved out of position (OBD-Codes.com). Replace a failed cam timing solenoid or VVT actuator if diagnosis points there (RepairPal). Top up or change to the correct engine oil if low or wrong oil is found (RepairPal).

P0008🔧 Engine timing (camshaft and crankshaft position)Stop and fix promptly

P0008: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0008 mean?

P0008 means the engine computer sees that the camshafts on bank 1 are out of their expected position compared with the crankshaft. OBD-Codes.com says the most common causes are a stretched timing chain, a timing chain tensioner problem, or a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved, and notes GM service bulletins where the fix is new timing chains. RepairPal also lists variable valve timing parts and low or wrong engine oil. The engine computer (ECM or PCM) compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal to check that the engine is timed correctly, per RepairPal, and sets P0008 if the camshaft is not in the correct position relative to the crankshaft. OBD-Codes.com quotes a more specific GM-style description: the ECM learns the position of both camshafts on one bank, compares them to a reference value, and sets the code when both learned values for that bank are past a calibrated threshold in the same direction, which points to misalignment at an idler sprocket or at the crankshaft rather than at one cam. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. OBD-Codes.com says P0008 is more common on Suzuki, GM, Cadillac, Buick and Holden, and that GM has service bulletins for certain engines (including the 3.6 LY7, 3.6 LLT and 2.8 LP1) where the fix is replacing the timing chains. The sources lean different ways: OBD-Codes.com focuses on timing chain stretch, tensioners and the crank reluctor wheel, while RepairPal also lists the cam timing solenoid, VVT actuator, low oil level and the wrong oil, and names timing belt replacement as the common repair.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0008?

Stop and fix promptly. RepairPal puts P0008 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating but ties the code mostly to a stretched timing chain or tensioner problem, and a timing chain that keeps wearing can get worse. If you hear chain rattle, or the engine runs rough or loses power, have it diagnosed soon rather than putting it off.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0008 means

The engine computer (ECM or PCM) compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal to check that the engine is timed correctly, per RepairPal, and sets P0008 if the camshaft is not in the correct position relative to the crankshaft. OBD-Codes.com quotes a more specific GM-style description: the ECM learns the position of both camshafts on one bank, compares them to a reference value, and sets the code when both learned values for that bank are past a calibrated threshold in the same direction, which points to misalignment at an idler sprocket or at the crankshaft rather than at one cam. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. OBD-Codes.com says P0008 is more common on Suzuki, GM, Cadillac, Buick and Holden, and that GM has service bulletins for certain engines (including the 3.6 LY7, 3.6 LLT and 2.8 LP1) where the fix is replacing the timing chains. The sources lean different ways: OBD-Codes.com focuses on timing chain stretch, tensioners and the crank reluctor wheel, while RepairPal also lists the cam timing solenoid, VVT actuator, low oil level and the wrong oil, and names timing belt replacement as the common repair.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

RepairPal puts P0008 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating but ties the code mostly to a stretched timing chain or tensioner problem, and a timing chain that keeps wearing can get worse. If you hear chain rattle, or the engine runs rough or loses power, have it diagnosed soon rather than putting it off.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (OBD-Codes.com)
Roughness while accelerating (OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased power or engine performance (both sources)
Poor fuel economy (both sources)
Timing chain noise (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Stretched or worn timing chain (both sources)
Timing chain tensioner problem (OBD-Codes.com)
Crankshaft reluctor wheel has moved and no longer lines up with top dead center (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine timing not correct (RepairPal)
Failed camshaft variable timing solenoid or variable valve timing actuator (RepairPal)
Engine oil level too low, or oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's spec (RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Check the engine oil level and confirm the oil type matches the owner's manual, since RepairPal lists low or wrong oil as causes.
Listen at startup and idle for timing chain rattle, which OBD-Codes.com lists as a symptom.
Note any other stored codes, such as P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019, which OBD-Codes.com says often appear with P0008.
If the car is still under powertrain warranty, OBD-Codes.com recommends letting the dealer do the repair.
Ask a dealer or look up whether your engine has a service bulletin for P0008, since OBD-Codes.com says some GM engines have known timing chain issues and revised parts.

Typical fixes

Replace stretched timing chains, plus tensioners and guides as needed (OBD-Codes.com; GM bulletins for some engines)
Correct a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved out of position (OBD-Codes.com)
Replace a failed cam timing solenoid or VVT actuator if diagnosis points there (RepairPal)
Top up or change to the correct engine oil if low or wrong oil is found (RepairPal)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

OBD-Codes.com says diagnosis generally means inspecting the timing chains and tensioners for excessive wear or misalignment and checking the crank reluctor wheel position, then replacing parts as needed, using the factory service manual for make-specific steps
On GM engines OBD-Codes.com names (3.6 LY7, 3.6 LLT, 2.8 LP1), check for service bulletins and updated or revised replacement parts before ordering
The sources differ: OBD-Codes.com points mainly at timing chain stretch, tensioners and the reluctor wheel, while RepairPal also lists VVT solenoid and actuator failure and oil level or spec, and names timing belt replacement as the common repair; RepairPal rates it urgent and OBD-Codes.com gives no rating
RepairPal's general advice for this code: most trouble codes come from a sensor reporting an out-of-range value, and just replacing the sensor may not fix the underlying issue

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0008?

RepairPal rates it urgent. If the cause is a stretched timing chain, it can keep getting worse, so have it diagnosed soon, especially if you hear chain rattle or the engine runs rough.

Is P0008 always a timing chain?

Not always, but OBD-Codes.com lists a stretched chain, tensioner trouble or a moved crank reluctor wheel as the causes, and GM bulletins for some engines call for new timing chains. RepairPal also lists VVT parts and low or wrong oil, so check the oil first.

What's the difference between P0008 and P0009?

RepairPal's code list gives P0009 the same name, Engine Position System Performance. OBD-Codes.com labels P0008 as bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder 1) and lists P0009 as a related code that can show up alongside it.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.